The Gospel of Mark
English Standard Version
Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz (Introduction)
ISBN 9781784698096
CTS Booklet SC131
Larger Print Edition
ISBN 9781784698133
CTS Booklet SC135
This was the second of the standalone gospels I have read from the new English Standard Version translation; which was introduced as the new lectionary edition at the beginning of Advent 2024 in England, Scotland and Wales. I have read a few volumes about the new lectionary and eagerly awaited these new Gospel booklets. I have decided to read a chapter of the gospels a day for the year, and will alternate the ESV editions just released and the older Jerusalem Bible editions I have read a few times over the years. By reading 1 chapter a day you will complete the 4 gospels 4 times and have time to start again.
I love the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. Over the last 7 years I have read over 400 books and booklets from the CTS. And have many on my ‘to be read’ list. The description of this volume is:
“Traditionally considered to be the first of the four Gospels to be written, and often associated with the teachings of the Apostle Peter, St Mark’s Gospel used concise language to proclaim the Good News to an ancient community of gentile Christians. Despite its brevity, the vibrant prose of this Gospel still speaks to the hearts of Christians today.
This special edition of the Gospel of Mark, with an introduction by Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, is published to mark the introduction of the ESV-CE translation in the new Catholic lectionary for England, Scotland and Wales. This book allows the reader to read and contemplate the words of the Gospel precisely as it is proclaimed at Mass in Year B of the lectionary cycle.”
This volume and the gospel of Matthew has an introduction by Fr. Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, about him we are informed:
“Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz is a priest for the diocese of Westminster. He earned a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome. Fr Javier has served different parishes in London: Hillingdon, Kensington, Fulham and Bow. He is a lecturer in Sacred Scripture at Allen Hall, and the Dean of Mater Ecclesiae Coilege.”
I highlighted a few passages some of them are:
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (1:1)
The second book of the New Testament begins with these words, which should be the lens through which the whole work is to be read. The story of Jesus is given to us in four different outlines (according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) under the common name of gospel.”
“Gospel, then refers to the preaching of the good news or kerygma, namely, the proclamation of the saving events in the life of Christ (the passion, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven of Christ) which changed the lives of people and communities. This proclamation was done as part of the missionary outburst of the church, an announcement which subsequently modelled the Christian community.”
“This document is not a biography in the narrow sense but, while the orderly account of true events takes a prominent part of the composition, a true theology is also developed.”
“Mark was recognised as the author of this gospel from ancient times, even though there is no attribution to him in the text. He is identified with one of Paul's companions (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10-11; 2 Tim 4:9-11) who at some point would have followed Peter and settled with him in Rome where he wrote the gospel.”
“It seems to be addressed to pagans as there are not many references to Scripture, the Hebrew and Aramaic terms are translated and Jewish customs are explained.”
“Scholars have identified the period of Caligula or Nero as the historical background to what is recounted by the gospel. Hence the composition would have taken place in the 60's or early 70's in Rome.”
“Mark organises his gospel in four parts: a prologue (1: 1 -13); a part dominated by the quest ion on the identity of Jesus (1:14-8:30); a part explaining what discipleship means (8:31 - 14:50) and a section dedicated to the Paschal Mystery (14:51 - 16:20). In all of them he shows who is "Jesus Christ, the Son of God''.”
“This silence imposed in the narration allows a dialogue between the reader and the text. The reader is invited to reflect on what has been expressed, both reflecting on the identity of Jesus and the way his follower is called to behave.”
“Jesus' journey has Jerusalem as its final destination. It is at the city that Jesus accomplished his Paschal Mystery (passion, death and resurrection).”
“As one begins to read the gospel of Mark, one should have at the back of one's mind the opening verse and wonder how any specific passage presents Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.”
As part of Father Mark Goring’s Saint Mark’s School of Reading we are often assigned reading the gospel of Mark. I love the little booklet format from the CTS. Last years I left a different edition of it on my bedside table and read it most months. And I love this new English Standard Version booklet as well. Mark is short enough to easily be read in a single sitting. But rich enough to return to time and time again.
Historically the Jerusalem Bible is my favourite for just sitting and reading. Maybe because it was the one I was given in school during first communion prep, or because it was the first I read from cover to cover. But I am giving this new translation a fair chance and plan to read these gospel booklets and the whole bible this year. This booklet and the others and the Larger Print counterpart are excellent resources. I recommend them to you.
My son who is 16 has and asked for a set of these little booklets, for his own. I also picked up a complete bible in the ESV-CE edition for my youngest two children and myself. It is an excellent resource from the Catholic Truth Society! It is great to pick up and read in a sitting or to pass on to a friend, or to keep on hand to be able to give away. I love these little booklets of the gospels from the CTS and look forward to reading the other two remaining volumes in the collection. I can easily recommend this booklet edition of the Gospel of Mark!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.
For all books in the CTS Scriptures Series click here.
Books in the CTS Scriptures Series:
The CTS New Catholic Bible - Jerusalem Bible
The Gospel of Matthew - English Standard Version
The Gospel of Mark - English Standard Version
The Gospel of Luke - English Standard Version
The Gospel of John - English Standard Version
…
CTS Resources for the New Lectionary:
Ministering the Word of God - Father Allen Morris - CTS Books
Hearing Christ’s Voice A New Lectionary for the Church - Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB
The Word is Very Near to You - Father Allen Morris
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